‘What do we do now?’ Omar asked as they were left in the hall.
‘Your presence is no longer required,’ Hanniver addressed him. ‘You and the rests of the section-party can return to the settlement. Retrieve all our stuff from the horses, and bring our backpacks, you can take the mule but tell Dominic to leave some equipment for me. You can also take all but two Starborns. I’m pretty sure we’re right here.
‘Also, make sure everyone follows through standard check-up, and I want everyone in the expedition group to undergo a week’s quarantine.’
‘But sir,’ Omar interjected, ‘who will —’
‘— The SB soldiers and Colonial Forrester are sufficient from here on in,’ the Brigadier interjected.
‘Yes sir,’ he saluted, trying to hide his disappointment then ordered the general infantry to the transport.
‘And what do we do in the meantime?’ Shayne questioned his superior.
The Brigadier’s forehead creased as he thought about it, ‘Who are the advisors, or whatever they’re called?’
‘At least one Chancellor has to be in the throne room with the UeVarda at all times.’ Shayne signalled to Kíe and Pan’arden and asked, ‘Who holds state affairs when the UeVarda is not available?’
‘We do,’ said a senior looking lionman male. He wore a shroud that reached to his feet; the same colour as Kíe’s but a deeper shade with golden decorations embroidered into the material. A large black cat-like creature sat amongst the folds of his robe, peering up at them with wide green eyes.
‘They cannot grant you a proclamation Afra’hama,’ Pan’arden stated.
‘We desire counsel, is all,’ Shayne answered, ‘the time for the UeVarda’s recovery can be spent researching and discussing the regions of interest, and to also communicate with the nations involved.’ Pan’arden slightly bowed her head.
‘Remarkable,’ the older lionman commented with a sly and intelligent grin on his ancient face as he examined Shayne. The black cat stepped from the shawl and also looked up at him in a blunt inquiring manner.
‘This is UeShádarn Dun’karter,’ Kíe introduced the academic to Shayne, ‘and his Maltat Kreadark,’
‘How long have they been with us? And the Afra’hama speaks fluently, and without an accent.’
‘He has the Kérith-Árim accent,’ Pan’arden corrected.
Dun’karter dismissed the statement with a wave of his arm and said, ‘Trivial. How long did it take to become so proficient?’ he asked Shayne. An eager expression lay behind his green eyes, which appeared decades younger than the rest of his body. Shayne looked up at his slightly bent form but remained silent.
‘About twenty days,’ Kíe answered for him, ‘and he does not care for social talk. He himself is a Master,’ Kíe used the common word for master instead of the Kadalian word shádarn.
‘Is that so?’ The old lionmen asked as he raised an eyebrow. ‘Yes, yes, of course he is.’
‘We have business to discuss,’ Shayne interrupted Dun Karter’s examination, glaring coldly at him, but the lionman’s half vacant stare showed his mind was someplace else.
‘Of course, of course.’ He nodded happily and turned to walk away, he spun on his heels when he realised he was walking off without them. ‘There is a special room this way for advisor board meetings.’ His soft aloof grin widened.
‘Come, Advisors,’ he called to the others, most of which were already following. ‘Where is the master armoursmith?’
‘He is at Píaníth, UeShádarn Dun’karter,’ the Commander of the Imperial Guard and another steward replied. She walked ahead of the others and opened a side door for them, leaving the dome throne room behind them.
They passed a few passages until they came to a door no different from any other. The room had a raised seat for the king in the far corner there was also a large dark wood table in line with the king’s chair. The table held several chairs behind it, including a grand seat for the head steward in the middle. Lastly there rested a much smaller table, exposed in the centre of the room with four chairs that faced the main table.
‘Please take a seat,’ The Imperial Shytarda Commander indicated the four seats. She took off her helmet and placed it gently on the table as she rested herself into the main chair. All the other councillors took their respective places leaving two seats empty: one which was for the missing blacksmith and masked monk who was not currently present. Dun’karter sat on the right of the Imperial Commander; Kreadark jumped up onto the table next to him, looking nobly at the Earthmen.
The four seats were given to Shayne, Hanniver, Pan’arden and Kíe. The other Starborn soldiers were left standing, as was the scamscar robot who translated for Hanniver through an earpiece; allowing clear communications without interruptions through the third party. The Brigadier commanded Red Rocket to wait in a corner, where she happily curled up and went to sleep.
‘We can obtain more seating, if you wish,’ said the Trade Master; a small beady eyed human who was clean shaven: a rare choice in appearance for the region, though he was not local; his nationality was Garathian who were situated on the infamous Southern Coast.
‘There’s no need,’ replied the Brigadier, with the droid talking for him. The two SB soldiers remained standing at ease behind them, looking silently and coldly at the board of stewards before them.
‘Good,’ the female guard said in satisfaction. ‘Traditionally we proceed with first time meetings by introducing ourselves. I am Far’galanmír, Commander of the Imperial Guard and head Counsellor of the Stewardship.
‘I am UeShádarn Dun’karter and this is Kreadark; head of the studies of nature and wizardry and keeper of the ancient ways. I am second steward.
‘Absent at present is Níurthan,’ Far’galanmír spoke for the monk, ‘Second Commander of the Kerwin and third steward.’ Each person went through their introduction, beginning with their name followed by their role and ending in their steward ranks. The armoursmith was also pardoned by the Imperial Commander. While they gave their introductions the warrior monk came into the room and sat in his seat beside Far’galanmír. His dark robes concealed chainmail and a short sword hanging from his belt. His hood was still up and he did not look up at the Earthmen but the metal mask could be seen covering the top half of his face with the lower half also clean shaven. He put his hands together on the table and listened to the introductions. His pale hands a contrast to the darker skin of the native humans they had encountered.
When the board finished introducing themselves they waited for the representing body to also introduce themselves. Shayne was supposed to start as the natives considered him of greatest rank in the room, but his uncertainty lead Pan’arden to go first.
‘I am Pan’arden, High Captain of the Palerman Dídrandom in Bohaníde.’
‘I am Journeyman Kíe, and I serve within Palerman, based in the village of Danarie’
‘I am Colonial Shayne Forrester, of the Star Born Corps.’
Hanniver hesitated momentarily as Shayne indicated his turn.
‘I am Brigadier-General Christov Hanniver, third in command of the military forces of the Iraquis division of the Last Western Front Alliance and I am Earth’s emissary for Indigenous affairs within the Military Branch.’
‘That is a long title,’ Dun’karter commented in amusement.
‘It could be longer,’ Hanniver returned the sly smile. ‘My troops call me the Brigadier, and civilians can call me Christov, I’m not as traditional as others within our corps.’
‘A report has reached me that you were attacked by a large pack of Dikean’armada,’ the shytarda commented. ‘and that your hides have been handed over to be processed, I look forward to seeing you cloaked in them. I long thought the beasts were only few and those that did roam were Maltat’s, but the sacred forest does harbour secrets we do not know. Your survival marks you as great Orians. Shame they are so wild. But now a conservation of Maltat potential can be implemented. At least it will save lives, ours an
d theirs. We were also informed that a Kérith-Árim journeyman holds the honour of one of the kills,’ the commander looked thoughtfully at Kíe, ‘yet he still holds his cub name? Is he one of yours UeShádarn?’ Far’galanmír turned to the old lionmen.
‘Yes,’ the scholar said, ‘and a right little pain he is too, reminds me of me.’ This caused a few chuckles, ‘but he is a bright student. A good and healthy future awaits him, when he — matures a little.’
‘Sounds a lot like he has taken after his favourite master if you ask me, though I’ve yet to see you mature,’ the other UeShádarn on the board said, a middle aged female lionman named Tal’dorfin. Kíe could not help but let a wide and impish grin slip; an effect that made some on the board chuckle again.
‘And you Afra’hama have dropped your anointed name. One should never do such a thing, for it is an honour to be given a name, or we shall all bear our cub names into old age,’ the Imperial Guard noted. An expression of seriousness and determination on her face, the monk also looked briefly upon Shayne. His eyes gleamed oddly behind the mask but the glimpse was too brief and the mask hid too much of his face to properly observe him.
Shayne turned back to the head steward, ‘I do not believe that such an honour can be awarded to one you barely know or understand.’
‘And I think you do not understand the weight of decision that comes from such namings. In the old Kadalian language a name is given, and not lightly either, and as one grows older and their deeds change so can their name. If we thought it a bad choice we would not approve it. Do you know what it means?’
‘No,’ Shayne simply replied.
‘It is not foreboding, nor does it hold expectations,’ Tal’dorfin added. She was younger than Dun’karter and far more serious in expression, formidable looking despite her tiny stature. ‘It is that which is, as all our names are. You will learn your name in time as you learn the Language of Kings, and then you will realise it is not what you think.’
Tal’dorfin then addressed the monk sitting next to her, ‘Is it not his name, Níurthan?’ The man once again briefly looked at Shayne; a thoughtful and knowledgeable look crossed the part of his face that was visible. Shayne saw again that something looked strange in the man, but he could not grasp it.
‘It is his name. I hold no doubt,’ the human replied, his voice soft and calm.
‘The Order Second in Command is never wrong,’ Far’galanmír declared and the board members all mumbled in agreement. ‘From now on when you introduce yourself, you use your chosen name, Afrada ala Hama,’ again the board nodded in agreement, except for the warrior monk who returned to inspecting the wood upon the table.
‘Now to matters that are of great concern.’ Far’galanmír leaned back in her seat. Some paper was set before her and she flicked through a couple of pages.
‘Wayel-Éaa,’ she simply said causing the easy manner of the room to suddenly shift to tension.
‘There’s no need to make an argument,’ the Brigadier motioned, ‘I’ve spoken to my superior. It’s simply a matter of obtaining a space of land within the Dífrun region that can be agreed upon and we’ll move.’
‘I do not think it is that simple,’ Kal’adfin the foreign administer added. ‘How many nations do you know are willing to part with land?’
Shayne leant forward to speak, ‘We are willing to buy the land required and to share our knowledge. The country that hosts us will have many benefits. The truth is we will require much land, all with different materials, but most can be found in the deserts and continents outside of Dífrun. We can settle where you cannot, but we like to hold a settlement within your region and deal directly with your people. There are many back in our federation that would do anything to learn about your people and your ways. We only need one place for one city. We have selected areas that are of low population and contain materials we require. We have a list of these places, if you wish to look at it.’
‘All in good time,’ Far’galanmír added. ‘The purpose of this counsel is to speak for the Varda and to advise him, also you must obtain our blessing before you seek out the nations who you wish to negotiate with. I do not think our stage will be too restrictive to your cause, if you are freely willing to leave the sacred forest. Though negotiations would probably take part with both our parties.’
‘What do these promises entail?’ the Master Trader asked. His human frame dwarfed by the lionmen around him.
‘We offer special contracts to the nation in which we bargain with, it will be a trade agreed upon by them and usually ranges from gold and rare resources to information and modern technology. We also offer other services to any country who wishes to participate, these fall in the category of education and medical health benefits and some technology exchanges.’
‘What uses can be obtained from your education?’ the trader inquired which caused the two Grandmasters to glare coldly across the table at him.’
‘Education is the most powerful tool for an advanced civilisation. Without it you do not advance, with it you gain many benefits, many of which you cannot possibly imagine. You will find that our level of knowledge will not only fill in gaps within your own systems, but it will open up an entire world which you did not even know existed.’
‘I believe that everyone will be watching the UeVarda’s health very closely.’ Far’galanmír rubbed at her chin. Her face was serious but her eyes danced with interest. ‘If you can save him then word of your miraculous healers will reach the furthest ends of Dífrun and every leader in the region will be desperate to please you, you have even given us hope, where before we had none.’
‘Healing the UeVarda will bring you greater diplomatic power than any other act combined,’ Dun’karter agreed. Shayne’s expression as always remained passive but inside he was mentally smiling. He knew exactly the leverage the sick king provided.
‘What lands were you thinking of settling?’ the national treasurer head, Dohka’tudar leaned closer as if the act would reveal all to her.
‘We can show you, if you can provide the best and most accurate maps of Difrun,’ Hanniver added. This was not strictly needed, but their satellite maps would be easier for the natives to comprehend with a comparison to their own maps.
‘That can be done,’ Far’galanmír raised her arm and a guard stepped forward. ‘There should be a servant waiting by the door. Ask them to go to the royal library and bring back the maps.’ The guard nodded his head before he left the room. Shayne ordered one of the SB soldiers to retrieve a projection computer from the belongings that were left behind. The soldier was the first to return, handing a shiny black object to Shayne who placed it on the table in front of him. He took another device from the android and placed it next to the computer, it flashed green and blue indicator lights as it came to life and connected to the machine. He and Hanniver both leaned over and looked at the screen. Shayne scrolled and moved through the computer until he found what he wanted. A third person communicated through the computer, it was the artificial intelligence that was the Oxford colonyship.
After Shayne had brought the satellite images of Dífrun up, the servant human knocked on the door and entered the room with an arm full of maps and books. Far’galanmír pointed the servant to the Earthmen. He placed the papers upon the table next to the computer, his face downcast as he did so. He bowed quickly before retreating from the room.
‘14D, scan.’ Shayne ordered and the robot instantly took up the maps and briefly flicked through them.
‘Files updated,’ the droid confirmed a moment later.
‘Spread out the most accurate.’
‘Yes sir,’ the machine replied, picking out a large roll of paper and spread it out so that it took up the entire table. Hanniver leaned on his end, stopping it from curling up and he looked at the old hand drawn map with some admiration. He always liked the look of ancient maps and thought this particular one would look good framed and placed on the back wall of his office, not that it would be legal but the
thought pleased him.
Shayne took the scanned maps and overlaid them. He then projected the new combined map to the one that was flattened out on the table. The natives all murmured at the display of technology. The overlay software did its work; recognising errors of accuracy in the real map and adjusting the image so there was no distortion between map and satellite. The new image displayed a spread of two coloured points over the entire map, each colour and point denoting a possible mineral and town location. The Counsellors all looked on in awe; marvelling at the two dimensional image before them. Tal’dorfin could not resist and moved from her seat, where she placed her hand over the picture and watched as part of the image disappeared from the map and now shone on her hand. She turned her hand watching the little points move across her palm as she moved it.
‘These locations here,’ Shayne pointed to several points placed on the map, ‘are places of low density population and vast resource deposits.’
‘What kind of resources?’ Líol’flend, the Trade Master asked.
‘We call them Rare Earths and they are used to produce objects for our star crafts and many other things including this machine, we could mine them in the asteroid belt, but that takes too much resources at this stage of colonisation, so it is easier to mine planet-side.’ Shayne pointed out the colour that represented the Rare Earth deposits; they brightened on the holograph when he flicked them on the screen. ‘At this stage these elements have no use for your people. That will come later.’
‘And you will share these Rare Uerths with us when we do require them?’ the little man asked.
‘If your people choose to use our technology then yes, a percentage of profits or goods naturally belongs to the state.’
The Book of Ominiue: Starborn Page 22
